City unions balk at freezing pay

Wearing placards declaring themselves “at risk,” dozens of city union members delivered hundreds of postcards to Mayor Mike McGinn at his office this afternoon. (I wrote about the planned action this morning). The message of the postcards: Instead of eliminating cost-of-living wage increases next year, the city should cut strategic advisor and management positions and cut spending on outside contractors. The unions want the city to preserve a 2 percent cost-of-living increase next year.

The city faces a $56 million operating budget deficit next year. Earlier this month Seattle firefighters have agreed to give up their cost-of-living salary increases to spare cuts in fire service. The Seattle Fire Fighters Union, Local 27, said members would forgo a 2-percent raise promised in their labor contract. The move is estimated to save about $6.6 million – including $4.3 million next year.

McGinn had asked unions citywide to forgo wages increases. McGinn already has made more than $12 million in cuts to this year’s budget, with the bulk coming from police, parks and libraries. The cuts were necessary due to continuing declines in business and sales tax revenue caused by the slow economy. Most city departments were asked to find 3 percent in savings this year, while the police and human services branches were asked to identify 1.5 percent that could be reduced from their budgets.

Last month King County Executive Dow Constantine asked most county workers to freeze their salaries next year. The county is facing a $60 million 2011 deficit. County labor leaders are still considering Constantine’s request. This week Constantine announced progress in that effort.